Chapter 3

Samantha’s POV

I moved away from the private room as I head towards the wine bar.

“Hi Nath,” I greeted the young lad that was busy arranging some wine bottles in the bar. He turned abruptly and his face lit up when he saw me. 

“Miss Lia,” he smiled as he hurriedly placed the bottle in his hands on the shelf. He rushed up to my end as I had my seat.

“Where in the world have you been?” he nagged. “I thought something happened to you. You didn’t even answer my calls and the texts.”

I smiled when I saw the concern his eyes held. He was truly worried about me.

“I’m sorry, Nath.” I whispered as I pouted.

He scoffed as he wiped out the tear that threatened to fall.

“Don’t even try to act cute.” He turned his back at me.

“All right, fine. I’m deeply sorry.” I sighed. “I had a lot going and I had to be away for a while.”

He slowly turned to face me.

“You promise not to leave again without a word?” he asked as he folded his hands across his chest.

“I promise. I’m going nowhere now.” I smiled. “I’m back now.”

His frown broke into a wide grin. He freed his hands and before I could process his actions, he had jumped over the bar and was now in front of me. He pulled me into a choking hug.

“Nath?” I called as I tried to pull him off me. 

“I missed you.” He mumbled into my shoulders. I chuckled as he eventually freed me.

“Really? You didn’t get a new girlfriend while I was away?” I teased.  

“Hell no!” he half- yelled.

“Awwn, cute little thing!” I fawned as I ruffled his hair.

Nath was the only person in this place that truly cared about me and I was thankful I knew him when I did. He was just sixteen years old when I met him. He looked so cute and innocent that I thought of making him my younger brother. A gift my parents never gave me! They couldn’t anyway!

I smiled as I watched Nath grinned. His smile always made my day somehow. 

“Excuse me,” we both turned to see the one that interrupted the moment. “I’m sorry to disturb you guys but can I need a refill.” The lady raised her glass to show Nath what she meant.

“A minute, please.” Nath smiled at her and he headed back to his space to attend to the lady. I could almost swear I saw her glared at me. But when Nath turned to face her, she showed off a sweet smile. 

 

I shook my head negatively at her actions. She clearly had a crush on Nath. 

“Nath,” I called and he glanced at me. “I’ll be right back.” I told him as I grabbed my bag and also drank the remaining content of my cup.

“Keep that for me.” He nodded as I head to the restroom.

I did my thing, washed my hands and exited the restroom. I glanced at my wristwatch. It was half past ten. I should be on my way home. But I needed to inform Nath so the young boy wouldn’t think I ditched him again since I doubt if I’d come back here anytime soon.

I went back to the bar where I saw Nath busy with his phone. He looked all cute with the attention he gave to whatever it is that he was busy with.

“Nath,” I called and he raised his head.

“Oh, you’re back.” He smiled while I nodded.

“But I’m sorry. I need to leave now.” His smile dropped.

“Why?” 

“I’ve got work tomorrow morning, dear.” He nodded reluctantly. “Don’t worry. I’ll surely come back…soon.” I said in an attempt to cheer him up.

“Miss?” I turned to see a young man approaching. I squinted up my eyes in an attempt to recognize who it was but no memories of him seemed forthcoming. “Wow! Now that I get a proper look, you look more beautiful up close.” 

“Who are you?” I frowned.

“Pardon my manners. I was the one who bumped into you earlier.” He chuckled. “My name is Roman. Nice to meet you.” He stretched his hand to me while I stared at him.

“How may I help you?” I asked when I eventually accepted his gesture.

“I wanted to say a proper apology.” He answered.

“Oh!” I nodded slightly. “I’m sorry but I was the clumsy one. I’m sorry I bumped into you.” I apologized and tried to leave. But he stopped me.

What exactly does he want? I licked my lips. I was getting pissed off because he was wasting my time.

“I should be the one to apologize. I’m sorry.” He smiled while I breathed out.

“Okay, apology accepted! Can I leave now?” I tried to leave once again but he stopped me. “Dude, what exactly do you want?” I half-yelled at him.

“I need you to dine with us if you’ve accepted the apology.” He offered.

“Us?” 

What was that?

“Yeah, us.” He pointed at someone that was seated in another section of the VIP rooms. “My friend is over there.” He said and the person turned just in time.

Ryan? What is he doing here? Geez! Sam, you’re a fool. He obviously came here to relax.

“Shall we?” Roman asked, stretching his hand forward. 

Should I? Or should I not? 

Come on, Sam. This is an opportunity to know more about Ryan’s life after business. You should surely go for it.

“What do you say, Miss…” he trailed off, hoping I’d complete it. I glanced at him and threw him a smile. 

“In that case, I should get my glass of wine.” I turned to Nath, who watched the drama unfold. “I…” I tried to talk but he cut me off.

“I get that. I get that.” He grinned as he hurried to get my glass filled. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” I said to him and then turned to Roman. “After…”

I was going to say ‘after you’ but he beat me to it.

“Ladies first.” He smirked.

“Sure.”

We walked side by side to join the young man that sat across the room. He seemed to focus on something despite staring at the space. 

“Hi,” I called him, waving him out of his thoughts.

He glanced briefly at me before whispering a ‘hi’.

“Do you mind if I join you?” I asked.

“Not at all,” he shook his head negatively and I sat down opposite him. 

“So,” Roman began, adjusting his sitting posture. “I didn’t get the name earlier.” He said with a flirty smile.

“And I’d love to keep me anonymous.” I grinned at him.

Whatever made him think I’d tell him my name!

He nodded and had a sip from his drink. I glanced at Ryan who suddenly seemed uncomfortable.

“It seems your friend doesn’t want me here. I should leave.” I said as I attempted to stand up when Ryan stopped me.

“No, please sit.” He hurriedly said. “I’m sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable.” I nodded slightly as he apologized.

“My name is Ryan.” He told me as he offered his hand. 

I know!

I accepted the offer.

“Nice to meet you, Ryan.”

“Do you mind if we…” roman tried to say something but was cut off by a ringtone. “Excuse me!” he whispered after he glanced at the screen.

He moved away from us to answer the call.

“Ryan,” I called and he looked at me. “What do you do?” I asked and for a moment, he squinted his eyes. 

 “You don’t know me?” 

Of course, I do!

“Nope,” I answered, stressing the “p” sound. “Am I expected to?”

He stared back at me with amazement. I was sure he expected every lady to know him as the city’s sweetheart and the most successful CEO on the “Under Thirty CEOs” list.

“I seriously think you should tell me what you do.” I shrugged.

“Well, if you really don’t know me, I guess I have no choice but to tell you then.” He smiled.

Gosh! He just did that again. That smile!

“I’m Ryan Anderson, CEO of Anderson’s Corporation.” I frowned for a second before I faked a gasp. He chuckled.

“Was that supposed to ring a bell?” I asked, wiping off the smile on his face.

“You … really don’t know me?” he frowned.

“No, I don’t.” 

“What era do you live in?” he laughed.

“Guys,” Roman came back. He lifted up his cup and emptied it. “I need to leave now.”

“Why?” Ryan asked. “You just got here.” 

“Duty calls,” he grinned at Ryan and turned to me. “I’ll see you again.” He mentioned and rushed out.

“He turned out to be the runaway Cinderella.” He muttered under his breath but I heard him anyway.

“Did you say something?” He glanced at me and shook his head negatively.

I definitely heard him. But what the hell was that?

I glanced at my wristwatch and realized I had limited time to spare. 

“I think I have to leave now.” I told him before standing to my feet. I hung my bag over my shoulder and turned to leave.

“Wait!” Ryan suddenly called which brought me to an abrupt stop and I turned.

“Yes?”

“Can we meet again?” 

I wasn’t expecting him to hold on to my presence.

“Can we?” he repeated after I remained silent. I smiled faintly.

“Probably.” I replied and I walked away immediately.